Floating in the Water - Stacking Theory

Liner:
SpoilerThis is a song about my island home - Australia

In the first narrative, I am telling the story of the Rainbow Serpent - a recurring indigenous Australian creation story.
In the second narrative, I am referencing Captain Cook and the First Fleet, who arrived on this land in 1770.
I think you'll be able to spot who is who in the song.

A few lyric-specific notes:
"Toorali-oorali-ay" is a reference to the Australian Folk song 'Botany Bay', which is associated with the deportation of convicts to Australia
The Red, Black, and Yellow that the Serpent leaves behind in this song are the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag
"Always was, always will be" is an important statement in our nation. The first footprints on this land belonged to our First Nations people, and sovereignty was never ceded.

in the beginning there was nothing
only me
the land was flat
and it was lonely
and empty.

this island floating in the water

I travelled everywhere
just looking
for my friends
I travelled north and south
I travelled east and west
(my body made the valleys)

on this island floating in the water

Today
Is the day
That I sail
‘round the cape
To stake
My claim
On this island floating in the water

I brought the frogs up from the earth
and kissed their bellies
(and they made the rivers run)
I turned the animals to women & men
and gave them their ease
(they were my precious ones)

On this island floating in the water

I came
And I saw
And I stayed
On this shore
I invade
Toorali-oolari-ay

this island floating in the water

I am the rainbow
and I’m living in the sky
(and if you look you’ll see me)
Red, black, and yellow
are the colours left behind
(always was and always will be)

this island floating in the water

always was and always will be
always was and always will be
always was and always will be
always was and always will be